Season in short:
At 22-years old, it’s hard to fathom that Mitch Wallis is an old head in the Bulldogs midfield, but it’s true.
With a maturity belying his years, Wallis consolidated his role as a key-ingredient in the Bulldogs midfield mix before a foot fracture cut short his season in round 18.
PLAYER PROFILE: View Mitch Wallis' player profile and 2014 season statistics.
A month back in the VFL early in the year helped recalibrate Wallis’ on-field radar, returning with a ferocious defensive ethic.
While not as prolific finding the ball as previous years, it was his blocking, tackling and ability to clear space around the stoppages that allowed his teammates to reap the benefits.
Wallis’ injury against Essendon perhaps best illustrated his value to the Bulldogs side. Restricting Bomber playmaker Dyson Heppell to just14 disposals to three quarter time, Wallis coming from the field at the final break saw Heppell gather eight final term touches and lead the Dons’ seven-point come-from-behind win, after they trailed by 21-points.
A 28-disposal, eight clearance performance in the Bulldogs’ 28-point victory over the Gold Coast Suns was arguably Wallis’ most influential of the year. He also negated the influence of Suns’ star midfield pair Dion Prestia and David Swallow.
Playing 13 games in season 2014, Wallis played his 50th game in the Dogs’ round 12 loss to Brisbane.
The stat that mattered
80% of Mitch Wallis’ possessions in season 2014 were under pressure, the highest percentage in the competition, highlighting his pivotal role for the Bulldogs midfield in and around the contest.
What they said:
“It’s very exciting from a player, who has only been there four years, but feels like there’s so much youth underneath him.” Mitch Wallis (17 July, 2014)
